Chenango Health Network meets with local mayors

AFTON – Chenango Health Network invited the nine mayors of Chenango County to meet to identify opportunities to better inform and educate their constituents about health related issues and the services available locally and to discuss possible collaborative efforts. The roundtable meeting, called “The Meeting of Mayors’ Minds” held June 13th at Main Street Grill and Bakery in Afton was attended by Mayor Sally Muller, Afton; Mayor Philip Darling, Bainbridge; Mayor Marcia Miller, Greene; and Mayor Joseph Maiurano, Norwich and three Chenango Health Network staff, James Mutabiilwa, Lori Kemmerer and Chris McAvoy.

Discussed were three main Chenango Health Network programs and their value to the community: Tobacco Free Chenango and the importance of tobacco free parks and playground policies and resolutions. The policies and resolutions are self enforced through posting of signage at the parks and playgrounds and ongoing awareness through use of media; The Restaurant Project which most recently completed work with seven locally owned restaurants to encourage them to offer healthy food choices and portion options. Some received assistance with menu planning, others education for staff, signage in various formats and other creative assistance. Another group of restaurants is receiving support for 2012 and 2013. The Every Woman Counts in Chenango County Campaign’s focus is to improve access to information and educational opportunities for women living in Chenango County and to insure that women receive mammograms and clinical breast exams and follow-up. In October 2011, to mark National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Chenango Health Network sponsored the first Paint the Town Pink. Greene, Norwich, Afton and Bainbridge participated.